Chhattisgharh woman Maoist arrested

Bhubaneswar: A Chhattishgarh-based woman Maoist was today arrested by Odisha Police while her associate, who was briefly detained by the police allegedly committed suicide fearing attack by ultras, a senior police officer said.

The arrested woman Maoist, identified as Nirmala, was on her way for treatment to Chhattishgarh when she was apprehended during the joint operation of Odisha police and CRPF, Balangir district SP, Deepak Kumar said.

Nirmala, accused in several crimes including murders, was also suspected of monitoring the Maoist movement in Balangir district.

Meanwhile, her companion identified as Goutam Bag was briefly detained by the police during the arrest of Nirmala.

and allegedly committed suicide in the police barracks in Balangir.

"We had allowed Bag to go home after preliminary investigation. But Bag returned to police barrack as he feared attack from the ultras. He, however, attempted suicide in police barrack and died at the hospital," the SP said.

The Maoists had earlier threatened Goutam after branding him as a police informer.